Flight Simulator X is a very complex program that comes on two DVDs (not CDs) and took
30-40 minutes to install. Each time the program runs, it takes about 60 seconds to boot and
another minute to start or re-fly a mission. The delays are especially annoying as a beginner
who often needs to restart failed missions.

Although I am a licensed pilot in single-engine airplanes and
helicopters, I have almost no experience with computer flight programs.
I found this one challenging to learn because it has so many features
and options. The program allows you to fly 22 different airplanes and
two helicopters, from an ultra light and Piper Cub to a Learjet and a
747. It also allows choosing from 23,000 airports, 15,773 cities and
223 countries. You can choose various weather conditions, seasons,
times of day, aircraft control sensitivities, and more. All of this
complexity adds tremendous value for the experienced user and difficult
challenges for the novice.

Although you can operate this program with a keyboard, mouse,
joystick, or X-box 360 controller, buying a joystick proved to be
absolutely essential to enjoying this program. Some of the flying was
still not easy, but it was at least possible. I was never able to
successfully taxi the ultra light without a joystick.

Even with a joystick, you still have to use the keyboard in complex
key combinations to operate many functions and to adjust cockpit gauges
and switches. Most of that is still beyond my experience level.

The ten tutorials the program provides to learn to fly several of
the aircraft were necessary but not sufficient for me. Program
instructions are not well organized and are difficult for a program
novice to learn. After 30 to 40 hours of using this program, I'm barely
able to operate the simplest aircraft in the easiest conditions. This
program will keep you occupied for hundreds of hours. It is exciting,
challenging and very frustrating.